History conference investigates geo-strategy and war

5 December 2015

Themed Geo-Strategy and War, the two day conference featured scholars from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Hong Kong, who spoke on topics such as climate change and conflict, and terrain and intelligence.

“The Chief of Army History Conference provides our Army with an opportunity to enhance our understanding of the military art, as practised by a variety of nations throughout a number of past conflicts,” Major General McLachlan said.

“We were privileged to hear world-recognised experts in their fields speak on a range of relevant historical issues.

“We continue to learn as we face or observe varying experiences including culture, our geographic position and military reach, climate change, emerging terrain and amphibious environments, and the exploitation of local resources.

“The conference encouraged discussion around the geopolitical challenges facing our Army which will better prepare and inform us in future operations,” he said.

On the eve of the history conference, the winners of the annual CEW Bean Prize for the best university theses on Australian Army history were announced. This year, Major General McLachlan presented the prize to Dr Kate Ariotti and Lieutenant Benjamin Studd.